Some characters become forgotten, other become legendary. What it depends on – a character or an actor playing the part? Who knows… Sometimes we just fall in love with the movie characters for no obvious reason. Here are the 15 most memorable women who once stole our hearts and after all these years still remain legendary and unsurpassed.
1. Holly Golightly ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
Why we love her: When the character of brilliant Truman Capote is matched with stunning acting of Audrey Hepburn nothing but masterpiece can be born. The film appeared in 1961 and we’ve loved Holly Golightly ever since. That image of hers with a long cigarette holder is worth a thousand words. She is pretty (obviously), witty, and knows exactly what she wants. Actually, she is one of the first women characters who could combine strong will with femininity and sophistication. We owe her that black dress fashion, after all!
Best quote: Promise me one thing: don’t take me home until I’m drunk – very drunk indeed.
(or Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.)
2. Amelie ‘Amelie’
Why we love her: Seems like actresses named Audrey are doomed to become memorable. Another Audrey, Tautou this time, created an incredible character that immediately became everyone’s favorite. Because…how can you not like Amelie? So innocent, so pure and so French. These are just a few words that come to mind. So many girls went to cut their bangs just to look like Amelie. The heroine is naïve and romantic, she celebrates life with a spoon of crème Brulee and believes in true love – that’s the kind of a girl we really miss in today’s reality!
Best quote: You couldn’t even be a vegetable — even artichokes have a heart.
3. Mia Wallecе ‘Pulp Fiction’
Why we love her: Have you ever tried to imagine you are Mia Wallace and repeat that epic dancing scene of hers with Vincent Vega? Then you totally understand why Mia is on the list. She’s a ‘bad girl’ – dangerous, mysterious, doing drugs, going to dates with her husband’s friend and ordering expensive milkshakes. Tarantino made this character really feminist – Mia looks sexy in mens’ style clothes. She is the only powerful female character in the film. As long as she is in the scene the intrigue and tension is accentuated perfectly!
Best quote: Why do we feel it’s necessary to yak about bullshit in order to be comfortable?
4. Anna ‘Anna Karenina’
Why we love her: Even if we don’t, we do. Because it is not just a character, it is the character from one of the best novels of all times (as ‘Anna Karenina’ by Leo Tolstoy is usually claimed). Maybe there’s been too much fuss surrounding the movie and Keira Knightly’s acting is under question, however the character of Anna did not lose her power in movie. Passionate, determined, intelligent Anna is the image of that day’s feminism. Unfortunately, her main principle “love is stronger than anything” doesn’t save her. But she never gives it up.
Best quote: I am not ashamed of who I am or what I’ve done.
5. Scarlett O’Hara ‘Gone with the Wind’
Why we love her: Scarlett’s appearance draws attention. She is unforgettable. Growing from the capricious girl to a wise woman, with determination and courage, this character impresses with her development. Of course, Scarlett is emotional, and sometimes judged for her choices, but she was definitely a modern woman of her time. Today she would probably wear pixie and have her blog on fashion. But at the time of ‘Gone with the Wind’ she is a dramatic character plunging into love affairs and making us follow every step holding our breath.
Best quote: Ooh, if I just wasn’t a lady, WHAT wouldn’t I tell that varmint.
6. Stifler’s Mom ‘American Pie’
Why we love her: She is hot. Period. Every teenager who ever saw the movie knows what Stifler’s Mom means. Each middle aged woman who looks gorgeous is associated with Stifler’s Mom. Though we don’t see her much in American Pie we never forget the episodes with amazing Jennifer Coolidge – and you know it’s not about the breast size we are talking about. Compared to all the schoolgirls in the movie, this character is proof-positive that women are like good wine – only getting better with age.
Best quote: I got some scotch…Aged eighteen years. The way I like it.
7. Catherine Tramell ‘Basic Instinct’
Why we love her: The woman is literally killing with her beauty. She is one of the most complicated, mysterious and contradictory female characters. Is she crazy? Yes. Obsessed? Sure. So why do we like her, again? Apart of her stunning legs and hypnotizing glance she has the irresistible charm. And she is really intelligent – just as the actress playing the part (Sharon Stone’s IQ level is 154).
Best quote: I might be manipulating you to create risk for myself.
8. Elizabeth ‘9 1/2 Weeks’
Why we love her: We have Elizabeth only due to the daring acting of young sensuous blond –Kim Basinger. The actress and her character are not afraid to cross the limits of allowed and forbidden. Elizabeth is rather sophisticated – she is into arts, she is stylish and feminine. Yet, she plunges into adventures and dares to make love on the street in the rain. She is vulnerable, yet strong enough to resist temptation and make the right decision at the end.
Best quote: I can’t figure this guy out. You know, sometimes… it’s so easy.
I mean, it might be…the tie they wear… or the books they read, or don’t read. But you know. What will end it.
9. Maggie Murdock ‘Love and Other Drugs’
Why we love her: Maggie is kind of a neighborhood girl. You feel you’ve known her for ages, and you forget why you love her. She is a mess sometimes. Sometimes she is like a breath of fresh air. Though sick, Maggie doesn’t look weak or pathetic. She is emotional, even hysterical at times, but she is also sympathetic and sensitive, and spontaneous. She loves life and brings special ‘homie’ atmosphere wherever she goes. What is more – she never gives up.
Best quote: Do you tell me lies because they sound better?
10. Mathilda ‘Leon: the Professional’
Why we love her: Mathilda is the legendary movie kid. Who else had a chance to hang around with Jean Reno and have a real gun at her age? Mathilda won fame for a young Natalie Portman, who developed her character from a frightened kid to a confident teenage rebel.
Best quote: I don’t give a shit about sleeping, Leon. I want love, or death. That’s it.
(or: Bonnie and Clyde didn’t work alone. Thelma and Louise didn’t work alone. And they were the best.)
11. Sugar Kane Kowalczyk ‘Some Like It Hot’
Why we love her: First and foremost – it is one of the most famous parts for Marilyn Monroe. A ‘sugary’ blond with the ukulele – that’s how we remember Sugar Kane Kowalczyk in the good old classics. She’s adventurous, really naive and light-hearted. She has problems with men and alcohol – like Marilyn herself, however Sugar believes that her dreams will eventually come true.
Best quote: I come from this musical family. My mother is a piano teacher and my father was a conductor.
12. Princess Leia Organa ‘Star Wars’
Why we love her: A woman with weapons in a galaxy far, far away, confronting the Empire is mesmerizing. By default. If you don’t get it– watch ‘Star Wars’ again. If you still don’t get it – something is wrong with you. Leia is a legendary character – with the husband Han Solo and the father Dart Weider, she had no choice other than being super cool.
Best quote: I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but from now on you’ll do as I tell you, okay?
13. Сlarice Starling ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
Why we love her: How did this fragile woman stand that magnetic glance of Hannibal? Nobody knows. That might be due to her intelligence, determination and will power. She survives in the clash of grand villains (Hannibal is considered as top 1 villain according to AFI). Clarice’s battle is deeply psychological. She fights her own personal demons and eventually wins.
Best quote: I wasn’t speaking to you, Mr. Krendler. When I speak to you, you’ll know it because I’ll look at you
14. Sarah Connor ‘The Terminator’
Why we love her: Sarah is tough. Meaning, really tough. She develops from a frightened waitress to a rebel, real warrior and devoted mother. She is determined to do anything for the sake of a better future. Sarah is not afraid of becoming an outcast, committing acts of terrorism. She sees a goal and she is ready to take control over her destiny.
Best quote: Men like you built the hydrogen bomb. Men like you thought it up. You thik’n you’re so creative. You don’t know what it’s like to really create something; to create a life; to feel it growing inside you. All you know how to create is death and destruction…
15. Carolina ‘Desperado’
Why we love her: Carolina is a passionate girl with latino beauty. Seems like Salma Hayek was born for this character. She is risky, fearless and determined. Such a woman is a reliable partner in any adventure. She can remove bullets, escape the burning building, steal a truck…nothing can stop Carolina on the way to her goal.
Best quote: Carolina: What do you want in life?
El Mariachi: To be free…
Carolina: Simple.